Campaigners reject claims

CAMPAIGNERS supporting the High Speed Rail network through Sheffield have rejected criticisms of the scheme from opponents who claim the project is financially flawed.

Those against the scheme claim the £20 billion cost will require a contribution equivalent to £1,000 per income tax payer - and that estimates of demand are ‘optimistic’.

The Campaign for High Speed Rail said the claims about cost were a ‘misleading oversimplification’ which do not take into account the financial returns that will be generated, and said overall demand for rail travel in the UK is booming. “There seems to be no reason why it will not continue,” they add.